- The referee handed out the first red card in a Rugby World Cup final in Paris
- Barnes cited a desire to spend more time with his family and at the “right time”
- PLUS: Watson is back in action for Leicester and the Lions tour will be broadcast on Sky Sports
Wayne Barnes has vowed to ensure future referees are supported after confirming his retirement less than a week after receiving death threats following the World Cup final.
Barnes was the man in the middle for South Africa’s victory over New Zealand in Paris, but he was subjected to horrific online abuse after sending off All Blacks captain Sam Cane.
It was always likely that England’s top official, 44, would end his career after the tournament in France and there is no indication he has resigned because of the threats he has received.
In his next role, Barnes wants to ‘advocate for referees’ and ‘ensure that match officials around the world not only have a collective voice, but also the right support network for them and their families, especially as online abuse has become far too regular for the those involved. in the game.’
Barnes is the most capped referee in international rugby history, having officiated 111 tests between 2006 and this year’s final. He refereed at a record five World Cups.
England referee Wayne Barnes has announced his retirement just days after refereeing the Rugby World Cup final
The whistler handed out the first ever red card in a final with his dismissal of captain Sam Cane
“Over the last 20 years I have been in the middle of some of the biggest rugby matches in history,” Barnes said. “I’ve seen some of the best players in the world and worked with some of the best coaches the game has ever produced. People often say you know when it’s the right time to retire and this is clearly the right time for me and my family.”
England’s Anthony Watson, who did not play at the World Cup due to a calf injury, has signed a deal to rejoin Leicester.
Watson, 29, appeared to have left the Tigers when his contract expired in the summer. It was expected that he would end his Test career and move abroad.
Anthony Watson (left) has committed to rejoining Leicester after the expiry of his contract
But he has now committed his future to the English club and international rugby, which is a major boost for his country’s head coach Steve Borthwick.
George Ford and Bevan Rodd have become the first members of England’s World Cup squad to return to the club in the Gallagher Premiership.
Fly-half Ford and prop Rodd will both start for Sale against Gloucester on Friday, as will Argentinian hooker Agustin Creevy who is set for his Sharks debut.
The British & Irish Lions have confirmed that their 2025 tour of Australia will be shown on Sky Sports.